Diagram of spindle-chromosomal transfer

• Chromosomes, the nuclear DNA material, are found in the intending mother (patient)’s eggs are grouped together in a spindle-like formation. The chromosomes are removed for transfer to the donor egg. The chromosome-free egg, which contains the unhealthy mitochondria, is then discarded.
• a donated egg is also extracted from an unrelated woman who has healthy mitochondria. Similarly, the chromosomes of the donor’s egg are removed. However, these chromosomes are discarded, leaving behind the healthy mitochondria in the cytoplasm.
• The spindle-like chromosomes previously taken from the intended mother’s egg are inserted into the enucleated donor’s egg.
• The resulting reconstructed egg contains nuclear DNA from the mother and the healthy mitochondria from the donor.
• The resulting egg can now be fertilized with sperm from the intended father. The resulting embryo will be implanted into the intending mother and will develop unaffected by inherited mitochondrial disease.

Reference

<pubmed> 25573721 </pubmed>

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